Medical News Today: How to improve eyesight without glasses

Eyesight can deteriorate as people get older or due to certain health conditions. However, there are a number of natural ways a person can protect and improve their vision without the need for corrective glasses.

8 million people with vision impairment from an uncorrected refractive error

1 million people or more who have a type of blindness

However, poor eyesight does not have to be an inevitable consequence of getting older. There are some natural ways and lifestyle interventions that can help a person improve and protect their eyesight.

In this article, we present 11 ways to improve eyesight without corrective glasses.

4. Screen breaks

Working on computers or focusing on one thing for extended periods can cause eyestrain or fatigue.

People who spend a lot of time in front of computers or mobile devices may wish to try the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look away from the screen at something around 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This exercise can help to reduce eyestrain.

5. Controlling diabetes

High levels of sugar in the blood can gradually damage the blood vessels in the retina, causing them to become swollen, leaky, or blocked. This can also result in the growth of scar tissue and new, abnormal blood vessels.

Without treatment, diabetic retinopathy can lead to impaired vision and eventually blindness. People with poor blood sugar control are at higher risk of developing this condition.

Sudden changes in blood sugar can also cause blurry vision that resolves when levels become steadier.

Maintaining good blood sugar control and having an annual eye examination can help reduce the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.

6. Managing chronic conditions

There are other health conditions besides diabetes that can contribute to vision problems.

The CDC report that people aged 65 years or older who have vision impairment are more likely to have a chronic condition.

Studies also suggest omega-3 fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, play a role in eye health and reduce the risk of age-related eye disease.

Foods rich in omega-3s include fish, nuts, seeds, and beans. A person can also purchase omega-3 supplements online.

8. Carotenoids

Carotenoids are present in the retina and may help to limit oxidative damage.

According to a 2013 review, the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin are important for eye health.

Green, leafy vegetables are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, but a person can also take them in supplement form. A range of dietary supplements containing lutein and zeaxanthin are available to purchase online.

9. Quitting smoking

Science has clearly established that smoking is bad for a person’s health and can cause cancer. However, many people may not realize that there is also a link between smoking and a number of eye diseases.

Smoking increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and uveitis. It can also increase the risk of diabetic retinopathy.

Tobacco smoke is also irritating to the eye, which can make dry eye worse.

10. Good hygiene

It is important for people to wash their hands thoroughly before touching their eyes or handling contact lenses. It is sensible to always carefully follow the manufacturer’s or doctor’s instructions for disinfecting and replacing contacts.

Old eye makeup can also increase the risk of eye infections. People may wish to consider discarding eye makeup that has been open for more than 3 months. If a person develops an eye infection, it is advisable to throw away and replace all open eye makeup products.

11. Family history

Some eye diseases can run in families. People may wish to talk to their close relatives to find out about their eye health history.

Knowing about eye conditions that run in the family can allow a person to take precautions. It is also necessary for people to inform healthcare professionals and eye doctors about their family history.

Summary

Getting older and certain health conditions can affect a person’s vision. However, there are many steps a person can take to improve and protect their eyesight. These can include simple things such as washing hands, quitting smoking, getting enough vitamins, and wearing protective eyewear.

Maintaining a healthful weight and eating a balanced, healthful diet can also reduce the risk of developing diabetes and other chronic conditions that can lead to eye problems.